The 6th EBC will be held on 8th-9th April 2016 in Torrita di Siena in Tuscany, Italy and will see
20 European bands competing. Previous UK representatives at the EBC have been BenPoole, 24 Pesos, Babajack, David Migden & the Twisted Roots and Laurence Jones.
The recently created UK Blues Federation is honoured to have been appointed by the EBU to run the Challenge and is setting up a crowd funding campaign to assist with Red Butler’s costs in connection appearing at the EBC. Full details will be available soon on the UKBlues website
Ashwyn Smyth – Chair of UKBlues – said: ‘It has been a lot of hard work to pull both the
selection process and the UK Challenge together, but it was all worth it! I am sure that Red
Butler are going to do us proud in Italy next year. Our thanks go to Pete Feenstra for all he
has done to make the Challenge happen and to the five judges who were faced with making
some difficult choices. This has also been a great way to introduce the newly formed UK
Blues Federation to the blues community in the UK and we have many plans for the future
including, we hope, seeing a UK representative at the 2017 International Blues Challenge in
Memphis.
“We hope that many people will want to join UKBlues and help to support us in what we are
doing and they can do so by going to our website where there are details of membership
types and how you can join.”

Alex Butler of Red Butler said:”There is huge exhilaration
amongst the band at winning the UK Blues Challenge. We put our hearts and souls into the
gig against stiff opposition. The immediate reaction from the crowd told us this was
something special from the word go. We are thrilled to have a major European event in the
calendar for next year.”

One Venue, a New organisation and 4 bands was everything you needed for a fantastic competition and night of live music exploring the depth and breadth of twenty-first century British Blues to have a winning combination. The evening was organized by the newly formed UK Blues Federation, and held at Pete Feenstra’s wonderful Boom Boom Club. The music comprised four bands, Brothers Groove, Katie Bradley Band, Malaya Blue and Red Butler providing the judges with a challenge of their own to score the wealth of talent on display tonight. The decision meant the winner would be going on to represent the U.K. at The European Blues Challenge in Torritadi Sienna Capitale Europea del Blues 2016; the band flying the flag with energy and a winning style will be Red Butler.

The club was packed and the anticipation high as people came together to enjoy catching up with friends and making new ones, everyone though was here to support the bands.

First on stage were Brothers Groove, who delivered blues full of rhythms and blues with a deep grove and energy, the two guitars up front give tone and texture that funk up the bluest of grooves; the applause reflected that every one of the four tracks they choose tonight were enjoyed.

The second band, Katie Bradley Band was the only band that played the harp and combined with Katie’s wonderful singing voice this is a band that pulls up the depths of the Delta and the intertwining weaves between Dudley Ross on guitar and Paul Jobson on keys created a musical storm of instrumentation that reflects the expressive vocals.

Third band of the evening and second band with a woman as lead vocalist isMalaya Blue who has been stirring up a storm at festivals and shows where Malaya and the band entertain. Her voice is rich and velvety smooth , a soul singer that shouts the blues and her band tonight was the second outing of the evening for Dudley on guitar, and on keys Paul Long. The music was smooth and the audience listened spellbound as the four original tracks sung by Malaya put a spell on everyone listening tonight.

Another quick change over and the last band of the nightRed Butler hit the stage and the third female vocalist Jane Chloe Pearce took the microphone upped the tempo and got the audience participating with clapping and choruses it was electric live music captivating everyone; impressing the judges so that they got the top marks and are off to Italy in April 2016. This is a band that is greater than the sum of the individual talents, Alex Butler on guitar takes the lead and plays dirty with a slide and then ups the tempo with fine electric guitar fingering. The rhythm section of Mikey Topp and Charlie Simpson give the band a platform that hums and bounces with an energized rhythm. The songs reflect modern living and Pension Blues is a reflection that planning for your pension is not the top of a young bands priorities. Alex and Jane leaving the stage and then walking through the audience provided a fitting close for the set that ultimately won.

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In addition to this it was an opportunity to present to prize to participants who where winners at British Blues Awards 2015, filling in the gap while the audience waited to hear who the winners were. a real opportunity to celebrate the wonderful musicians that create the vibrant British Blues Scene.

A selection panel created by UKBlues formed of nearly 200 musicians, writers, promoters, venues, festivals, radio presenters, PR/promotions, agents, record labels, and fans, including all UK Active Members of the European Blues Union (EBU) and representatives of the UK’s previous European Blues Challenge (EBC) contestants has chosen four artists to compete in the latest UK Blues Challenge.

The top four acts available to compete have been invited to take part in the UK Blues Challenge, which is being jointly promoted by EBU Active Member Pete Feenstra and UKBlues and which will take place on Saturday 24th October 2015 at the Boom Boom Club in Sutton in front of a panel of judges drawn from within the blues community chosen by UKBlues and Pete Feenstra, but who, for obvious reasons, will remain confidential until after the Challenge. They will use the same criteria to award points to the contestants as is used at the EBC.

The acts in order of appearance on the 24th are:

19.45 – 20.15 – Katie Bradley

20.30 – 21.00 – Malaya Blue

21.15 – 21.45 – Brothers Groove

22.00 – 22.30 – Red Butler

UKBlues congratulates the acts on their selection to take part in the UK Blues Challenge.
For more details about the UK Blues Challenge and how you can pre-book your tickets visit Pete Feenstra’s site or call +44 (0) 20 8791 9078

The winner of the UK Blues Challenge will represent the UK at the 6th European Blues Challenge, organised by the EBU, and which will take place in Torrita di Siena, Italy on 7-8-9th April 2016.

This is what Babajack says about the European Challenge having represented the UK at The EBC in 2012

Overview:

A weekend that was crammed with delights for your taste buds and musical ear and the weather was kind. Whether you like a hot cup of tea, a summer fruity jug of Pimms or real ale and cider the liquid refreshment was available on tap and consumed with relish by the number of empty barrels by late Sunday evening. The food was varied from falafel and all things veggie, curries chips and hog roast all served with a smile and provided a tasty appetizer between the music shows; then there were the hot sweet freshly cooked doughnuts to be dipped in sugar or cinnamon not licking your lips between the bites was impossible! Face painting and henna art were enjoyed by adults and children alike! Then at this friendly festival there was the music with so many highlights and acts that hit the spot it seems a tad unfair to select a few but they were the sparklers and cherries that stood out of the cocktail of delights that Julian and his team had artfully blended to form Blues On The Farm 2015. Friday was full of shows that just prove the diversity and depth of British Blues for me it had to be The Jar Family they add that dimension that make festivals fizz and sparkle closely followed by Layla Zoe, The Hoax and the final special moment the firework lighting up the sky Mud Morganfield and his authentic blues. The sparkle in Saturdays cocktail definitely shaken rather than stirred was Kaz Hawkins and her Band O’ Men and Sunday’s it had to be that act with a difference with fire in its cocktail mix Rodney Brannigan & John Pointer where beat box meets acoustic with a novelty trick or two thrown in. We are now counting down to the 25th Blues on The Farm 2016.

From Thursday evening through to Sunday night, the weather stayed fine, the sun shone, people had fun, food was enjoyed and the beer and Pimms flowed what more do you need to make everything perfect quality live music and that we all had with the twenty live acts and a drum workshop it was a full festival banquet.
Opening the event were two fine bands that got the crowds in the mood and the campers full of party spirit, with the surprise of an impromptu guest singer when Jo Harman joined Kokomo on stage. Friday afternoon the crowds swelled as the award of a Friday afternoon away from the office were rewarded by a talented young band Stark who a put the electric into rocky blues with a different way of playing the resonator and arrangements of classics including some Blind Willie Jefferson. They were fun and entertaining a young band with lots to offer. As ever this is the festival that rings the changes no band is ever the same as the rest on the set, with a quick sound check and the ever superb sound and lighting men had the stage ready for a five piece Owen and the Mockingbirds they knew how to entertain with their country blues with self-penned numbers that, despite at times lacking that magic that makes them different, the appreciative crowd enjoyed this knowing that the choice of beers and cider to be tasted throughout the weekend and then the lure of yummy doughnut rings would provide entertaining accompaniment.

Returning again this year following a successful debut at the festival in 2015 The Jar Family built up the tempo and added their unique, eclectic mix of folk, roots and a touch of Hartlepool Americana shaped into their music, which they call Industrial Folk. They certainly didn’t disappoint they were very good last year but the excelled in 2015, a team of six men make the jar full of music that fills the marquee, across the field and into the campsite beckoning everyone to get up dance, smile and enjoy this band that adds a spark to any festival. They delivered a spellbinding set as they all took turns to lead sharing vocal duties with their fine tuneful voices and songs that reflect the experiences of life of folk today, they took the roof off the marquee and no wonder an encore was screamed for and they happily obliged, as they left the stage the whole festival wished Lee a happy wedding day on the Saturday. How was Julian going to follow that act, easy for a man who has planned festivals for twenty-four years he follows up with three headline acts in a row, Layla Zoe; The Hoax and Mud Morganfield who just kept raising the excitement of the festival.Layla Zoe knows how to pull the crowd in close she has a voice that is full of emotion mirroring the drama she brings to the stage with her flowing hair and raunchy approach to her interaction with her guitarist and all the good things musically, the rhythm section is solid and the guitars solos were pure delight; she showcased her latest album Live At Spirit 66 and The Lily was a special moment in the set but the real tingling on the back of the neck was her a Capella encore of The Beatles Let It Be; follow that The Hoax. They certainly did returning once again to the farm having first performed at Pump Farm twenty-two years ago we were all so much younger then. The group is as popular today when they play a few special gigs when they can all get together. Jesse’s guitar work is sublime with Jon to match at the other side of the stage and Hugh as the frontman still draws our attention. They are still a British Blues super group the tent was crammed and the fans up front were transfixed as they sang along to every lyric they played our favourites and raised the roof with Feeding Time, Gimme A Drink and Shine On were mesmerising as the music cascaded up and down your spine they have the Hoax effect on audiences every time they step onto the stage. The sky was darkening as midsummer sun set on closing this night of festival delight was Mud Morganfield, with his authentic Chicago Blues sound, close your eyes and it is his father the great Muddy Waters on the stage. Leaving you wanting more and already wanting more music tomorrow beckons with another line-up of delights.

Beer tent visited another ale sampled and Idlewood a young band with loads of potential got the blues tempo underway. There self-penned numbers showed the power of harmonising and had a British pop blues feel that certainly had a pleasing tone. The tempo was raised with a Memphis/Detroit take on the blues when Ricky Cool and the In Crowd stepped up onto the stage. They delivered an accomplished set of rock n’ roll with the twin sax and the hint of swing this was Saturday afternoon dance and party time as we heard some Booker T and so much more. Following the opening acts the vibe was good as the quartet of acts to follow beckoned, the first of this lucky four-leaf clover of blues was the effervescent Sam Kelly’s Station House. They are always a welcome sight on the stage and a pleasing cocktail of free-form eclectic music that stirs you from the sole of your feet to the top of the head. The whole set was perfect for a Saturday afternoon with a twist of funk; a dollop of bleggae and the delight of listening to a quintet of musicians who just love to play the music that sets them on fire. Spy on bass is the smartest player and Sam on drums kicks the band into action their version of Pink Floyd’s Breathe captivated and I Shot The sheriff was fun come back soon you are welcome every time to this friendly festival. Now we have some heavy blues guitar delivered with attitude Ben Poole strode on to stage and let his guitar do the talking, raising the volume and clear any cobwebs we had. Hey Joe is definitely his festival piece with the intriguing intro, you recognise then as you pinpoint the tune he launches into a full assault making this Hendrix number his own.

Who could follow that high voltage performance well a lady from Belfast could and did the one and only Kaz Hawkins & Her Band O Men. This is a high energy live act that focusses around the power and delivery of Kaz’s vocals with the added swish of petticoats, stomp of her bright red boots; on top of all that she can play guitar. None of this would be possible without the skill of her band O Men who play to her tune with skill and make sure they are keeping up with her random approach to her show. She has stage presence nay stage domination she is a flash of polka dot whose voice sings the blues with a gruffness, gospel with clarity and her rendition of Nina Simone’s Feelin’ Good the second of the festival was for me the best I have ever heard. The croThe crowd at times were rowdy but she dealt with them there is a no-nonsense approach to Kaz when singing her music and dealing with fools in the crowd, if you missed her this weekend check out the act and get to see her soon; closing with Etta James’ I Just Want To Make Love To You we were in heaven and wanted more. There was more music, this was time to refresh yourselves, put on your dancing shoes as the stage was set for The Jive Aces; a band coordinated in eye-catching yellow they swung into action with some jive and rock n’ roll numbers that were the perfect finale to party Saturday night away.

With a few hours’ sleep it was all too soon the final day many friends met and new friends made it was time for the music opening with Malaya Blue who coincided opening the last day of the festival with the launch of her single Hope from her forthcoming album. Following up from Bourbon Street, Malaya’s approach to the blues is very different form the energy charged approach of the two power divas Layla and Kaz. Malaya’s approach is gentler more constrained and it is fantastic to have three women heading talented bands one each day for the festival; this set-up is fairly new and building their presence on the circuit which will surely grow as we get to know Malaya’s brand of blues with soul. The next band, The Cajun Roosters, drew the audience away from the sun and into the stage area to hear Louisiana Cajun based music, with fiddle and squeeze box this was sunny afternoon music you have to dance and smile as the beat with its infectious quality as much of the set was sung in French patois. Now newt was something completely different, a duo of Rodney Brannigan and John Pointer. Rodney has entertained this festival before and today accompanied by a fellow Texan he added more to the always entertaining event. There was everything in the set some great acoustic guitar with the addition of percussive fingerstyle guitar pioneered by Michael Hedges, which captivated everyone listening this afternoon. The Stomp box was huge, the beat box was a stylish and the mix of instruments changed with a blink of an eyelid. This was a complex act for any sound desk with twenty-seven inputs but nothing phases BOTF who are never afraid to book acts that stretch your boundaries and delight every time . Closing the imaginative set with his trademark playing two guitars at the same time Rodney once again delivered what a festival needs some excitement this certainly pleased the crowds with its originality, energy and skills. Phew after that you need to draw breath and before you know it Champion Doug Veitch changed the groove again with a mix of Cajun swing with a brass section which added energy and that unique musical range. We saw some country dancing as the audience enthusiastically joined in with the musical delights, a real feel-good band playing music they love with the audience warming to the show with every song delivered. With just two bands left on the longest day that coincided with Father’s Day there were lots of happy people who were delighted to dance and join in the fun as Brilleaux from New Zealand delivered Dr Feelgood style music much of which were self-penned. In between they played some great early British R ‘n’ B from Yardbirds to Billy Fury. This was a crowd pleasing high energy set and the delight of the band and many of the audience was when John Potter key board player in bands with WilKo Johnson including Solid Sender, Wilko Johnson Band adding some authentic 1960’s vibe. This was a real festival moment that everyone present will remember for a long time leaving Brothers Groove to close this 24th Blues On The Farm Festival. This was the perfect set to bring a blues festival to a cheering, barnstorming close leaving everyone wanting more music and countdown to the twenty-fifth anniversary Blues on The Farm Festival; with Julian asking if we had any bands we want to hear next year, let him know and they will be considered!

Liz at Bluesdoodles had a wonderful conversation with Julian Moores about this year’s Blues on The Farm festival delivering music from Thursday 17th June through to Sunday evening 21st June; a perfect way to celebrate mid-summer and the delight of live music in convivial company.

Bluesdoodles: What has 24th year of Blues on the Farm to offer this year to stand out from the crowded festival calendar?

Julian:Every single band from the opening act Kokomo from 7.30pm on Thursday 18th through to the last act of the weekend Brothers Groove on stage from 9pm Sunday 21st until the crowds let them go; every act has a musical story to create the jigsaw of styles that makes this the friendliest festival in Britain and keeps the festival fresh and full of energy that keeps people coming back every year..

Bluesdoodles: You mention every band is chosen with shaping the festival – tell everyone about how each day works across the weekend.

Julian:We try to give each day a feel that suits the audiences from experiences gained from the feedback we get every year the majority is positive and we always welcome constructive criticism so we keep improving the experience for festival goers, musicians and team Blues on the Farm.
THURSDAY 18th June: we have tried lots of formats ranging from meet and greets for the campers to local bands; this year is a departure from the norm. We have two bands that are a mix of Blues/funk/soul to get things going; lots of people love this style bringing back memories of many bands including Average White Band. The format for the evening is a good time for everyone who arrives on a Thursday often after a long journey and for people living locally appealing to the many people locally who love the ale we serve and this style of music on a summer’s evening and so makes it a standalone gig as well.

FRIDAY 19th June:This year we have six bands that will bring blues music that excites included in the mix are Jar Family back by popular demand after delighting the festival last year on a warm Sunday afternoon, their blues with a steampunk attitude hit the right spot. We also welcome back the ever popular band The Hoax and the return of Mud Morganfield who brings the spirit of Muddy Waters into the festival, on his only visit to U.K. this summer. Into the mix we have a young and talented band Stark and Owen & The Mockingbirds an act from the South Coast plus the power of Canadian firebird Layla Zoe Friday is a day of wall to wall music delivered with passion.

SATURDAY 20th June:Today is party day, we all want fun music, dancing and a feeling that the festival and time out from our daily routines will go on and on, hence why we end the day with a feel good band The Jive Aces. We also will delight everyone who loves blues guitar with Ben Poole who with his band always impresses the crowds, Kaz Hawkins & Her Band O’ Men we think is the hidden gem of the festival she will be a new act to many and her vocals are awesome. Sam Kelly’s Station House will once again bring his blues rhythm to a Saturday that has a musical zing from beginning to end.

SUNDAY 21st June:We always say Sunday is a day for good quality happy music and as ever is a mixed bag of music that is family friendly for all ages to enjoy and have positive memories of the Friendliest Festival in Britain today. Opening with a drum workshop delivered by the great raconteur Sam Kelly, he loves to share his knowledge and has a lovely calmness about him as he promotes live music. Into the mix we have some Cajun from The Roosters back in the saddle with his Cajun reggae is Champion Doug Veitch, Brilleaux from New Zealand named after Dr Feelgood’s Lee Brilleaux; and closing with Brothers Groove who put down a good groove as people drift away and return home. Counting down the days until Blues on the Farm 2016 our 25th anniversary.

Bluesdoodles: Blues On The Farm definitely delivers the music, what else is there that makes this a festival to remember and keep returning

Julian:We have camping facilities for tents and motorhomes; these are in the many fields never far away from the action, with the spaces divided by mature tree breaks creating the feel that you are in your own private space. The safety of our campers is assured with our Security Stewards will be on patrol 24 hours and any emergencies at night can be referred to them.
Refreshments: The beer tent is always popular with a range of ales (up to 20 to choose from) and ciders; along with non-alcoholic beverages. We also have a range of food stalls to suit every ones tastes and plenty of tea and coffee.

Bluesdoodles: What keeps you motivated to keep going to the festival every year; when you set the bar higher and higher as each year builds on the previous festival?

Julian:The enthusiastic response from people at the festival; so many people stop and tell me how they love the music, and the atmosphere. We want to make this a real holiday experience for people who come for the weekend building a rapport with people that return ever year they are the real friends of the festivals. Then there are the letters, messages on Facebook and the flowers that Cath gets sent as a thank you we really appreciate the personal connection people have.
The feedback we get is amazing from bands who have said BOTF artist are valued to the dedicated who collect the memorabilia of the event, tickets, programmes and T Shirts every year; we have become part of festival attendees summer calendar, we love meeting and greeting everyone. To me it is delivering a fabulous festival that lives up to its name the Friendliest Festival in Britain. As the marque comes down, the litter cleared we start the booking of bands for 2016.